Motion

Motion TitleProtecting Victims of Coercive Control

Motion TextThat this Assembly recognises the deep and lasting trauma that coercive control has on its victims; notes that perpetrators can exploit court proceedings through coercive behaviours, particularly within family courts, in an effort to re-traumatise their victims; acknowledges that coercive control falls within the definition of abusive behaviour, as defined by the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; further acknowledges the legal safeguards within the Act, including protecting victims from direct cross-examination, access to civil legal aid, and special measures in court; expresses concern that many of these provisions remain only partially implemented and that victims continue to face barriers to justice due to restrictive eligibility criteria and complex evidential requirements; and calls on the Minister of Justice to urgently commence all outstanding protections under the 2021 Act, to simplify and extend access to legal aid for victims, and to ensure that family court proceedings cannot be exploited by perpetrators to exert coercive control.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office19/01/2026

Date Selected By Committee21/04/2026

Date of Plenary Debate05/05/2026